16 killed, 20 injured in boiler blast at Chhattisgarh's Vedanta power plant

Sixteen workers lost their lives and at least 20 others were injured after a boiler explosion at a power plant in Chhattisgarh’s Sakti district on Tuesday, police said. Authorities added that some workers are still feared trapped at the site.

The incident took place at a plant operated by Vedanta Limited in Singhitarai village on Tuesday afternoon.

According to preliminary information, the blast occurred in a boiler tube, a senior police officer told PTI.


Rescue teams, along with local administration and police, rushed to the spot soon after the incident was reported. Efforts are ongoing to locate and evacuate any workers who may still be trapped.

Those injured have been shifted to nearby hospitals, where they are undergoing treatment.

In a statement, a spokesperson for the company said the explosion occurred in one of the boiler units at its Singhi Tarai plant and involved personnel from its subcontractor, NGSL, which handles operations and maintenance at the facility.

“Our immediate priority is to ensure the best possible medical assistance for those affected. We are extending full support to the injured and are closely coordinating with medical teams and local authorities,” the spokesperson said.

"We are in the process of ascertaining details, and a thorough investigation has been initiated in coordination with our partner and relevant authorities. Our thoughts and deepest sympathies are with the families of those affected during this difficult time," Vedanta added.

The company added that it has begun a detailed investigation into the incident in coordination with its partners and relevant authorities. It also expressed condolences to the families of those affected.

Reacting to the incident, Narendra Modi expressed grief over the loss of lives and extended condolences to the bereaved families.

He said the local administration is assisting those affected and announced an ex-gratia of Rs 2 lakh from the Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund for the next of kin of each deceased, and Rs 50,000 for those injured.

"The mishap at a power plant in Sakti district, Chhattisgarh, is tragic. I extend my condolences to those who have lost their loved ones. May the injured recover at the earliest. The local administration is assisting those affected. An ex-gratia of Rs. 2 lakh from PMNRF would be given to the next of kin of each deceased. The injured would be given Rs. 50,000," the PMO said in a post on X.